Wilhelmsen launches world’s largest Ro-Ro
The Mark V design will use 15 to 20% less fuel per transported unit than its predecessors, thanks to a optimised hull form and a number of energy saving features such as the streamlined rudder design and duck tail.
The Wallenius Wilhelmsen group has launched its 150th anniversary vessel, MV Tønsberg, into operation. The Mark V class is claimed to be the most sophisticated vessel ever built in the Ro-Ro segment.
It is the largest of its kind, with a length of 265m and offering a cargo volume of 138,000 cu/m over six fixed and three hoistable decks. The pioneering Ro-Ro vessel was built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki, Japan and is the first of Four Mark V vessels which will be delivered to Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA and its partner, Wallenius Lines. The second vessel will be delivered in August 2011 and two in 2012.
The Wilh. Wilhelmsen technical department developed the design in close cooperation with the shipyard and has been responsible for follow-up of the construction work at the yard.
The company experienced a strong rebound in its shipping operations last year, with a 25% increase in transported volumes in 2010 compared with 2009. ‘The market demands new and more effective tonnage, and we foresee the Mark V class as a dynamic driver in its segment’, said president and CEO Jan Eyvin Wang.
The entire cargo hold of the MV Tønsberg is arranged for customer’s high and heavy cargo such as excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders and harvesters. With a width of 12m and safe working load of 505 tons, the vessel’s stern ramp offers customers the possibility to ship larger units than ever before. The clear height of the main deck, 7.1m, is also unprecedented for this kind of vessel.
Cargo can even be loaded on the weather deck, which has a ramp from the deck below. Three decks can be hoisted by electric winches to provide maximum flexibility and utilisation. MV Tønsberg will commence service in the Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics’ round the world trade.
‘The M/V Tønsberg is a welcomed addition to our fleet, allowing us to carry larger cargo, and more of it, with reduced environmental impacts, said Arild Iversen, president and CEO of Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics. 'MV Tønsberg and our entire 2011 newbuilding programme mean better service, more options and more capacity for our customers. Such investments are how we maintain our promise to deliver innovative and sustainable global shipping and logistics solutions for manufacturers of cars, trucks, heavy equipment and specialised cargo.’
The Mark V will use 15 to 20% less fuel per transported unit than its predecessors, thanks to a optimised hull form and a number of energy saving features such as the streamlined rudder design and duck tail. In the engine room an advanced turbo generator produces electricity from the waste exhaust heat. In total, these initiatives help to cut emissions significantly.
A Unitor water ballast water treatment system avoids harmful transfer of microorganisms to the sea and all fuel oil tanks are protected to minimise the risk of leakage in case of grounding or collision.
MV Tønsberg is the fourth vessel with this name in the Wilh. Wilhelmsen fleet. It is named after the coastal town in Norway where Wilh. Wilhelmsen was founded in 1861and is the Wilh. Wilhelmsen group’s 150th anniversary vessel.
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